Kenya’s education sector is mourning the loss of veteran educationist and school principal Hellen Omoka.
On October 11, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-Kenya) leader Eugene Wamalwa extended his condolences to the party Secretary-General and former MP for Tongaren Constituency, Eseli Simiyu, following the death of his aunt, Hellen.
“On my own behalf and on behalf of my family and the larger DAP-Kenya Party family, I wish to relay my condolences to SG Eseli on the loss of his aunt, Hellen Naututu Omoka, formerly Principal, Bunyore Girls, Butere Girls and Kericho TTC,” part of the condolence message read.
Wamalwa also noted that Kenya had lost a trailblazer who will be remembered for her mark in the education.
Hellen Omoka will also be remembered as a mother, aunt and grandmother
Also Read: Former MP and Kenya’s First US Ambassador Dies
Hellen Omoka’s Legacy in Butere Girls
Hellen Naututu Omoka served as headmistress of Butere Girls High School in Kakamega County from 1974 to 1979.
The institution traces its origins to 1916, when it began as a primary school, before developing into a secondary school in 1957 with Anglican Church of Kenya sponsorship.
During her leadership, the school expanded its academic streams and accommodation facilities as student enrolment grew.
In addition, through fundraising, the school added a fourth Ordinary Level stream in 1977, and built more dormitories as the student population reached approximately 650.
In 1978, the institution introduced an Advanced Level science class during Omoka’s leadership.
After leaving Butere Girls in 1979, Omoka went to Kenyatta University College for further studies, which, at the time, was a constituent college of the University of Nairobi.
Omoka’s History at Bunyore Girls
Hellen Omoka made history at Bunyore Girls High School when she became its first African headmistress in 1969, according to the institution’s published history.
The institution, a public girls’ secondary school, is located at Kima Mission in Emuhaya, Vihiga County, and began commercial training in 1905.
Hellen was appointed a year after the Church of God handed the school over to the Ministry of Education in 1968.
However, Omoka’s tenure was brief; Rose Oduol succeeded her a year later, in 1970.
Also Read: Police Commandant Dies After Illness
Service at Kericho Teachers Training College
Omoka served in a leadership position at the public Kericho Teachers Training College located at Kipchebor, along the Kericho–Nakuru Highway near Kericho town.
The institution moved from Kabianga to its present site in 1965.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
